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May 22, 2025

Centreville Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Centreville

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Chamber Hosts Post-Legislative Session Discussion with 36th District Lawmakers

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Margan Glover, Charlie Brooks, Cindy Bach

Queen Anne’s at Home (QA@H), a local nonprofit helping seniors remain independent and connected in their own homes, hosted its annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner on April 22 at the Bay Country Moose Club in celebration of National Volunteer Appreciation Week.

This year’s highlight was the presentation of the Margan Glover Award of Excellence, QA@H’s highest honor for community service, to Charlie Brooks. A founding member, current board member, and Treasurer of the organization, Charlie has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of QA@H. From setting up financial systems, record keeping, and budget planning to developing and maintaining vital ties with the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, Charlie’s commitment continues to strengthen the organization’s foundation.

“We wouldn’t be where we are today without Charlie’s vision and follow-through,” said Cindy Bach, president of QA@H. “His dedication to our mission has been unwavering.”

The evening also honored the many volunteers who help plan community events, organize programs, and provide essential services—especially the Friendly Visits program, which brings companionship to members who are homebound. One member has received weekly visits for over three years from two devoted volunteers, a beautiful example of how meaningful connections are at the heart of QA@H.

“We’re more than just a service organization—we’re a community,” said QA@H member Jan Weeda. “I benefit the most from visiting members who can’t go out very much. It is truly an honor to meet these amazing people and become friends.”

To learn more about Queen Anne’s at Home or to inquire about membership and volunteer opportunities, visit www.queenannesathome.org or call 410-635-4045.

 

About Queen Anne’s at Home

QA@H is a caring community of seniors who help each other stay safe, healthy, connected, and independent at home. Its mission is to help seniors thrive at home which addresses the number one fear that senior citizens have: “What if I can’t stay in my own home?” Members assist each other with rides to appointments and household chores, among other things. QA@H arranges social activities such as coffee meet-ups, happy hours, and outdoor adventures as well as educational seminars where experts present topics relevant to seniors.

Founded in 2018, QA@H is based on the model of seniors helping seniors to thrive as we age in our own homes. Members offer help as they can and seek help as they need. This reciprocity helps build on QA@H’s three foundational principles of empowerment, connection, and purpose. 

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Health For All Seasons with Beth Anne Dorman

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“For a long time, we were the best-kept secret in Kent County,” says Beth Anne Dorman, Executive Director of for All Seasons. Though they’ve been present in Kent County for 15 years and  in local schools for over 17 years, the organization recently launched a visible shift: expanded services, increased public access and “bringing mental health to Main Street” to their new office at 315 High Street.

One of the most transformative changes has been the creation of the Open Access program. “People used to call for services and be told there was a waitlist. That’s just how it was,” Dorman says. “We decided to change that.” Working with national consultants, For All Seasons overhauled its service model. Now, anyone can walk into the office—or join via telehealth—five days a week for immediate mental health support, with psychiatry follow-ups available within two weeks. Open Access is for everyone: children, adults, seniors, and is available in over 500 languages via an interpreting app. Services are provided regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.

“We’ve looked at all five counties that we serve, and we have decided to bring offices to the main streets of all of our locations, so that when people are driving into town, when the community is spending time in these amazing places that we live, people are seeing that mental health matters, that services are available, that victims don’t have to be ashamed, they don’t have to hide that services are available. The beauty of the Open Access program is that it serves children, adolescents, adults and seniors. We serve everyone from a pregnant mom who wants to figure out how to show up to be the kind of parent that she wants to be to a 95 year old gentleman as our oldest client,” Dorman says.

For All Seasons is also the region’s only certified rape crisis center, operating 24/7 in English and Spanish. They provide advocacy at hospitals, schools, and law enforcement agencies, not just during crisis moments but for ongoing care. “You don’t have to be in a current emergency,” Dorman notes. “We serve people dealing with past trauma, no matter how long ago it happened.”

The organization’s work is grounded in four pillars: therapy, psychiatry, rape crisis support, and community education. As a learning center, For All Seasons provides mental health and trauma-informed training for schools, civic groups, businesses, and municipalities. “We just held a Dare to Lead training based on Brené Brown’s work,” says Dorman. “We’re helping leaders show up for their teams, because the mental health of employees matters too.”

Dorman emphasizes that rural communities experience trauma and mental health differently. “It’s not our job to tell communities what they need, but to ask how we can support them.” In Kent County, that means close collaboration with school administrators, local nonprofits like the United Way, and public agencies to ensure children and families get the care they need.

COVID revealed that mental health isn’t just about diagnoses, but about symptoms—grief, loneliness, uncertainty—that affect everyone. “We’re all carrying things,” Dorman says. “It’s okay to not be okay. What matters is that no one has to go through it alone.”

For All Seasons invites everyone to be part of the solution: check in on a friend, reach out when you’re struggling, and remember that connection—just a call or a card—can make all the difference.

For immediate help or support, For All Seasons provides 24/7 crisis hotlines in English and Spanish, as well as walk-in and telehealth services without waitlists.

24-Hour Crisis Hotline:
English Hotline Tel: 410-820-5600
Español Hotline Tel: 410-829-6143
English or Español Text: 410-829-6143

The Spy recently talked with Beth Anne Dorman  about the For All Seasons services available in Kent County.

For more about For All Seasons, go here.
315 High St Suite 207, Chestertown, MD 21620
410-822-1018
This video is approximately nine minutes in length.

For All Season Grand Opening at 315 High Street

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Adkins Arboretum Mystery Monday: Guess the photo

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Happy Mystery Monday!  Can you guess what is pictured below?
The answer to last week’s mystery is white oak, Quercus alba, pictured below:
White oak trees are native to the eastern United States and are usually found in forested areas of dry slopes, valleys, and ravines. It is a large, slow growing, deciduous hardwood tree. White oak does not tolerate wet conditions and is best planted in well-drained sites with rich, moist, acidic loam in full sun.
White oaks are in the beech family, and can reach heights of 135′ with an 80′ spread. These massive and stately shade trees grow in an artistic, wide-spreading habit. The bark of the white oak is light gray, with shallow grooves and flat, loose ridges.
White oak is one of the hardest woods on the planet with beautiful grain. It is very resistant to decay and is one of the best woods for steam bending. A unique feature of the white oak is a honeycomb-shaped film in its cells called “tyloses.” Tyloses swell to fill the vessels of the wood so that they can no longer conduct water, which is why white oak is used to make containers for liquids, like whiskey and wine barrels.
Mystery Monday is sponsored by the Spy Newspapers and Adkins Arboretum.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

On point with MD Secretary of Veterans and Military Families Anthony Woods

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Anthony Woods speaks from experience when he talks about his path to becoming Governor Wes Moore’s choice for Maryland Secretary of Veterans and Military Families.

Secretary Woods, a West Point graduate who served for two tours in Iraq, understands the significant challenges of transitioning to civilian life, including physical and mental health concerns, financial struggles, and social reintegration.

Now, two years into his tenure, Woods embraces care for veterans as a moral duty for those who sacrificed for their country and has been focusing on healthcare, employment opportunities, and mental health support to address severe conditions like PTSD, traumatic brain injuries and physical disabilities that, without proper care, could lead to unemployment, homelessness, or even suicide.

“First and foremost, we run a service program where we’ve got accredited claims officers who work at 15 different locations across the state and work virtually to help veterans file their claims to gain access to disability compensation or VA health care. That program is so successful, it’s got a 94% claims acceptance rate. So that means, when you sit down with one of our folks and they submit it to the VA on your behalf, 94% of the time the VA says, yes, this is a good claim.” Woods says.

The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs has been renamed the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families. Secretary Woods highlights that this name change reflects an expanded mission: the department now formally acknowledges and provides services not only to veterans but also to their families. This shift recognizes the vital role military families play and aims to address their unique needs alongside those of veterans.

“When we say military families, we mean veteran families, of course, active duty military dependents, but also caregivers and survivors. Because we were we have this fundamental belief that if the family thrives, the veteran or the service member thrives too” pointing out that the DoD moves  service members and their families all around the country and all around the world, but it’s up to the state to welcome them into the state and community or the job market.

Recognizing that government alone can’t address every issue, Secretary Woods says that the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families launched Maryland Joins Forces, a partnership initiative with veteran service organizations and military-focused nonprofits. Instead of duplicating efforts at high cost, the program collaborates to tackle key challenges in the veteran community, including employment, education access, housing and food insecurity, and healthcare.

The Spy recently interviewed Secretary Woods about the mission of the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families and addressed other significant issues including the impact of punitive DEI and DoD policies on gays and transgenders in the military.

A day after the interview, The Spy reached out to the Secretary to ask if he had a statement about the recent Department of Defense scrubbing of the Arlington National Cemetery website, which removed links to the histories and lives of veterans of color—both men and women—including Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the WWII Navajo codebreakers, Colin Powell, and others.

Secretary Woods replied:
“Erasing the stories and experiences of veterans, regardless of their background, dishonors their sacrifices and distorts the history of our military. It not only overlooks vital contributions but also weakens our ability to recruit and support future service members, who must see themselves reflected in the legacy of those who served. By diminishing the role of any veteran, we diminish the service and sacrifices of all.”
For more about the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families, go here.
Secretary Woods, a Army veteran and Bronze Star recipient, served two deployments to Iraq and continues as a Major in the U.S. Army Reserves, assigned to the Joint Staff at the Pentagon as an Intelligence Analyst. In the private sector, he has held key roles at Cisco Systems, The Boston Consulting Group, and Capital One. His public service includes leadership in mission-driven nonprofits, philanthropy, and a White House Fellowship under President Obama. He holds degrees from West Point, Harvard, and the University of Maryland.
This video is approximately 11 minutes in length.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

The Solar Land Rush—A farmer’s perspective with Judy Gifford

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Over the past 50 years, the pursuit of renewable energy has been driven by advocates who see large solar arrays as a crucial step toward reducing dependence on fossil fuels..

Critics, however, argue that the land available for solar arrays is limited, and the large-scale expansion of solar farms could compete with agricultural use, potentially reducing the amount of land available for crops and livestock. This concern is especially pressing for small farms, which may struggle to retain their land amid increasing demand for solar installations.

Judy Gifford, a small farm owner near Kennedyville has been watching the proliferation of solar on the Eastern Shore for a decade.

“Several years ago, the American Farmland Trust estimated that we were losing about 2,000 acres of farmland a day nationwide. I’m sure that number is even higher now. The problem is, people just assume we have endless land—it’s this attitude of, “Oh, we can build here, we can build there.” But the cumulative effect is reaching a tipping point,” she says.

Gifford and other small farmers on the Eastern Shore feel the pressure of allowing solar fields on farmland. The State’s renewable portfolio standard requires that 14% of its energy —whether consumed or purchased—must come from solar.

“14% is an arbitrary number, not based on science, and the consultants they’ve relied on have had some questionable figures. But regardless, the state is pushing ahead, even though our energy policy is a mess and this won’t solve it.”

Gifford sees a broader impact on the Easter Shore with the proliferation of solar fields: Less farmland means less grain production, and the Shore already imports grain for the $5 billion poultry industry. If rising costs drive chicken farms out of Maryland, it could devastate the Eastern Shore economy.

“Here in Kent County, we’ve worked hard to preserve our farmland. We respect and protect it. But now, developers are circling because they see open space as an opportunity to make money. Solar companies are offering outrageous sums for leases, which makes it harder for local farmers to compete,” Gifford says.

The Spy recently interviewed Judy Gifford to talk about how solar arrays imapct rural land use on the Eastern Shore.

Judy Gifford owns and operates St. Brigid’s Farm in Kennedyville and is a board member of Kent Conservation and Preservation alliance, treasurer and board member Colchester Farm CSA, and former member Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Administrative Council.

This video is approximately nine minutes in length.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Footloose coming to Church Hill Theatre

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Ren (Asher Rose) can’t stand still and tries to teach Willard (Russell Laing) some dance moves.

Are there any rock & roll fans out there? Well, get ready to join us and kick off your Sunday shoes! CHT will offer a live 90-minute production of the hit musical Footloose for one weekend only from April 4-6. Based on the 1984 film starring Kevin Bacon, Dianne Wiest and John Lithgow, the show will feature a number of talented local teens. Any play about teens also has parents and teachers, so the auditions attracted outstanding adult actors as well.

Footloose follows the young dancer Ren McCormack from Chicago to tiny Bomont, where he and his mother have moved because of financial hardship. Ren soon learns that Bomont isn’t just boring, it’s in the middle of nowhere and has banned all dancing and rock music, especially for teens. Then Ren falls for the preacher’s daughter, Ariel Moore, who is hardly a goody two-shoes (but she does turn out to be a good dancer.) Life of course gets complicated, and then more complicated, as the teens try to convince their elders that dance, and music are far from sinful. They also are determined to hold a senior class prom. Of course, the teens win—but only after fistfights, break-ups and miscommunication between the generations.  Several songs from the show, like “Footloose” and “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” are still standard favorites.

The cast may be the largest ever on the Church Hill Theatre stage—more than thirty! So, expect a super high energy level. Ren and his mother Ethel McCormack are played by Asher Rose and Steffi Ricketts. The Moore family (Reverend Shaw, his wife Vi and daughter Ariel) are portrayed by Matt Folker, Heather Joyce-Byers and Alexa Galbraith. High school students are Carly Mourlas, Addyson Crooks, Olivia Coppage, Riley Rosati, Russell Laing, Charlie Thomas, and Natalie Stinchcomb.  Adult ensemble parts are played by Christine Wells, Regan King, Maryanne Shoge, Grace Sutherland, Ian Stotts, and Juanita Wieczoreck. Cowboy Bob’s Band members are Schuyler Hemsley, Sydney Hill, Rooney Rosati, Isabella McCauley, Claire Williams, Clover King, Caroline Curran and Marian Jones. Other actors and dancers in the teen ensemble are Ellie Wells, Abigail Bischoff, Ava Khamvongsa, Helen Willard and Gabby Pfeifer.

Becca Van Aken, for many years the lead instructor for the CHT summer youth program Green Room Gang, directs this show. She’s therefore worked with some of the cast since they were first graders!  Michael Casey is the Music Director and Maya McGrory is the Choreographer. The others in the production crew are all veterans of CHT main-stage productions who were eager to participate in this show that features a whole new generation of CHT talent.

Footloose will run for three performances only from April 4-6.  Friday’s performance is at 7:30 pm and the Saturday & Sunday shows are at 2 pm. Tickets are on sale and going fast, so remember to get your tickets before they’re gone. This fast-paced production would be a great opportunity for young people of all ages to fall in love with live musical theater.  Tickets are available on the CHT website at churchhilltheatre.org or by calling the box office at (410) 556-6003.

 

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Earl Lewin:Veteran playwright tells “A Brief History of Man”

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If you have enjoyed live theatre  at Church Hill Theatre, Garfield Center for the Arts, or Easton theatre venues for the last 30 years, chances are you have experienced playwright Earl Lewin finely crafted productions.

For four days in February (6th through the 9th)  you will have the opportunity to see his newest production, A Brief History of Man at Church Hill Theatre, his tenth production for the popular venue.

CHT alone has premiered a new Earl Lewin play annually, including Miracle, Hitched, Orlando Rising, Saint Georges Blues, and Orlando Rising. Even during the pandemic shutdown, CHT hosted Judge Knott via Zoom. Learn more about his work at earllewinplaywright.com.

In addition to writing Earl has directed over thirty shows in his career; musicals including Tommy, Into the Woods, Annie and Oliver, and comedies and dramas by Oscar Wilde, Don Negro, Neil Simon, Ken Ludwig and others.

Lewin, a Chestertown resident, has a long history with Church Hill Theatre (CHT). In 1991, his late wife, Roberta, auditioned for Blithe Spirit and was cast as Madam Arcati. That involvement sparked Lewin’s interest in becoming more involved.He served on CHT’s Board of Directors until 2009, twice as chairman, while Roberta became Executive Producing Director in 1992. During her five-year tenure, she founded the Green Room Gang youth drama camp and arranged for CHT to rent space in Church Hill’s town hall for just a dollar a month.

Lewin is a Temple University graduate with a BA in theater and an MS in radio, television, and film, including a career running GE’s film department and later his own film/video business until retiring in 2001. He then returned to playwriting, producing musical murder mystery dinner theater at Great Oak Resort and other venues for over a decade. The rest is a continuing history of his fine work.

The playwright has since written and staged multiple musicals, including The Christmas Pocket, She Stoops to Conquer (musical adaptation), Celluloid, and The Burgundy Wine Mob—the latter two also produced Off-Off Broadway. In 2013, he set a goal to write one new script annually; His shorter works have appeared in the Garfield Center’s Short Attention Span Theatre and NYC’s Midtown International Play Festival.

The Spy caught up with Earl Lewin this week to talk about A Brief History of Man and the his love for live theatre.

A Brief History of Man will run from February 6-9, with performances at 7:30 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and at 2 pm on Sunday. Tickets are available online at churchhilltheatre.org or by calling the box office at (410) 556-6003

This video is approximately five minutes in length.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Friends of the Spy: Dr. Richard Danzig, former Secretary of the Navy

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Friends of the Spy

Each month, The Spy will host interviews with esteemed individuals from a variety of professional fields, offering unique perspectives on current affairs and broader societal issues. These guests may include research scientists, military professionals, politicians from across the spectrum, writers, and artists—all united by their dedication to enriching the conversation for our readership.

While some topics may extend beyond the immediate scope of our local communities, The Spy’s primary mission remains the coverage of local news and issues that matter most to our towns and surrounding areas. By connecting our readers to these broader perspectives, we seek to complement our commitment to keeping our community informed, engaged, and connected to the stories shaping their lives.

We deeply appreciate our guests’ willingness to take time from their demanding schedules to participate in these discussions. As always, The Spy remains committed to maintaining a politically independent and unbiased stance. However, given the pivotal changes on the horizon—ranging from immigration policies to women’s rights and healthcare reform—such pressing issues are certain to be part of the dialogue. Through this balance of local focus and broader context, we aim to provide insights that enrich our understanding of both our community and the world beyond.

The Spy is honored to start this series with Dr. Richard Danzig, former 71st Secretary of the Navy from November 1998 to January 2001 and senior advisor to President Obama.

In this interview, Dr. Danzig shares his observations of the coming year through the lens of his experience and with the insight of a historian. This video took place in mid-December before Federal appointments were made. It has been edited in light of Dr. Danzig’s new project to provide military members with counseling if they have questions about the propriety of orders.

This video is approximately six minutes in length.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

County Commissioners Seeking Member for Commission on Aging

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The Queen Anne’s County Commissioners are actively seeking individuals to fill a vacancy on the Commission on Aging. The Commission on Aging was formed at the inception of the Department of Aging in 1981 as an advisory body, which is required by the Older Americans Act. The deadline for applications is January 31, 2025.

The Commission on Aging conducts special studies related to the elderly by the direction of the County Commissioners, evaluates programs, services, and sets priorities. The commission promotes the welfare and betterment of older adults in Queen Anne’s County and provides input on the Aging Area Plan.

The regular meetings are held on the third Thursday of every month at 10:00 a.m.

For individuals interested in serving on the Commission on Aging, the application process is accessible online at https://onboard.qac.org/. Alternatively, applicants may navigate to the official county website at qac.org and search for the specific Board or Commission to find the relevant application page.

To be considered for the vacancies, interested candidates are requested to submit their resume and a detailed letter of interest through the online application software.

The Queen Anne’s County Commissioners encourage individuals with a passion for advocacy for older adults, to apply.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.